Guide To Android: Android Security

Whether you have a desktop, a netbook, laptop, or a smartphone you may have became aware that they are many threats that abound in the technology world we live in these days. These threats range from corrupt software, hackers, viruses, and plenty more. Recently, we reported on the increase in Android malware that has been found in the Android Market and according to a report from Juniper Networks these threats are going to raise. Now the question is how do Android users protect themselves from these threats.

The question to that is actually a lot easier to answer than most and thanks to some of the biggest names in security we have came up with our top five security applications to help protect your Android device.

#5) To start off with our top five is an application from the developers Creative Apps. Their application Antivirus Free has over 20,000 installs and works on any device that is running Android 1.6 and higher. Unlike other security software available this one is completely free and they also provide a “Test Virus” application that users can download onto their device to see how the security application works. Another benefit to this security application is it will detected any of the known viruses, DroidDream and Gemini for example and also comes in at a very small size which is essential for users that may not have much memory on their device.

#4) Many of you have probably heard of AVG Anti-Virusand have probably tried it out on your computer or know someone that has, but did you know that they also have an application in the Android Market to help protect your device? Well, if you didn’t you do now. AVG has quite a few applications on the Android Market under the name of AVG Mobilation. These range from free to around ten dollars to help keep your device safe. Below you can see a list of their applications along with prices.

Anti-Virus Free-This is a free application and provides users with the following capabilities:

#3) The third one on my list of applications to protect your Android device is McAfee who also provides a variety of applications to protect your device. These include the following.

McAfee WaveSecure-This application provides you with a 7 day free trial so you can try before you buy. If you decide to purchase this service it will cost you $19.90 per year and you will have to purchase it online through their website. These are the following features that you will recieve with WaveSecure:

Lock & Wipe

Remotely lock your device from the web or via SMS from another device

Display a message on your locked device

Wipe your personal data

Backup & Restore

Back up your data to the cloud (even after device loss or theft)

Restore data to a new device

Access your data online from anywhere

Locate & Track

Locate your lost device and plot its locations on a map

Sound an alarm to help retrieve your missing device

Track the current SIM and calls made to help recover your device

WaveSecure Tablet BETA-This application is directed more to Tablet users and is in beta at the moment. If you decide to give this a shot on your tablet you will be provided the following features:

LOCK & WIPE

Remotely lock down your device

Wipe out important data stored on your device to protect your privacy

BACKUP & RESTORE

Back up your data from your phone or remotely on the web

Access your data online from anywhere. Restore your data to a new device

TRACK & LOCATE

Locate your lost device and plot the locations on a map

Track SIM cards inserted to help get your lost device back

OTHER FEATURES

Supports users who do not have a SMS plan and use Google Voice!

Get your free tablet beta before it ends on May 17, 2011. Every WaveSecure activation comes with a 60-day free subscription!

#2) Number two on our list is Norton who provides my preferred security for my netbook. they also have several applications available and you can find them below.

Norton Mobile Security (Beta)-Currently Norton provides their services for free but they are also in beta at the moment so this could change. This application does require Android 2.x and higher to work. Below is the features that come with Norton Mobile Security.

#1) Number one on our list is Lookout Mobile Security. They provide many great features along with a free trial of their premium features. Below I have listed both the free and premium versions along with their features.

Lookout Mobile Security– Has two different options the free version and premium version which will cost you either $2.99 a month or purchase a year subscription at $29.99. below is the features of both the free version and premium version.

Free Version of Lookout Mobile Security:

SECURITY

Block malware, spyware, and phishing apps

Scan every app you download to ensure it’s safe

Schedule daily or weekly security scans

Automatic protection against the latest threats

Prevent a virus from transferring from your phone to your PC

FIND MY PHONE

Phone Locator: Locate your lost or stolen phone on a Google map

Activate a loud alarm, even if it is on silent

When possible, Lookout will remotely enable GPS to help you find your phone even if GPS is turned off

Log in to myLookout.com from any web browser to locate your phone

BACKUP & RESTORE

Securely backup your contacts

Restore your backup data to an existing phone

Access all backed up data securely at myLookout.com

Lookout is certified by TRUSTe – your privacy and your data is protected

Lookout Premium:

Provides all the features of the free version

Complete security and privacy protection for your Android!

Remote Lock, a security lock for your phone to lock others out. Set a secret passcode to unlock your phone.

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